Simons Ottawa now open in newly renovated CF Rideau Centre!

Last year, around the same time, I had the privilege of attending the media preview for the first Simons opening in the area. The Simons Gatineau store opened in Les Promenades Gatineau on August 14, 2015, and I remember being told to stay tuned, because Ottawa was getting a store in August 2016. One full year later, and here we are! I can’t believe how fast time flies. The Simons store in CF Rideau Centre opens this Thursday, August 11, 2016!

The space is gargantuan, about 104,000 square feet! Like, you WILL 100%, most definitely get lost on the 4th and 3rd floor of the Rideau Centre (and you should!). Remember the old theatre?… there! The store is perfectly laid out, and includes the signature Simons price-point “mix & matching” merchandising strategy. There is no discrimination here, this shopper knows what she wants and can confidently style herself in a unique way.

“Oh fun! This $3000 purse will go great with my $40 jacket”

We had a chance to meet Peter Simons again, who does a lovely job of teaching us fashion bloggers the strategy behind maintaining a large private Canadian company, keeping the passion alive after 180 years of business, the thrilling ride of merchandising and buying, how to remain socially responsible and predicting trends coming out of the European fashion scene. He has a wealth of fashion knowledge and I feel like a sponge when he talks. (PS- feminine Parisian style is making a comeback, but this time it’s your own interpretation. No cookie cutter moulds for you to follow… so put some thought into it, would you?).

I did manage to snap a few photos, but focused on live video this time, to give you the full experience. You can check out the videos on facebook and twitter!

A very basic capsule collection of shoes are available in the men’s and women’s section!View from the 4th floor of the atrium.Classic pose of myself and Chloe Gordon, fellow Ottawa fashion blogger. Turn out last year I wore white and the same shoes/purse combo! How bizarre! Thank you to Julie from www.trysmallthings.com for the pic!Unique Canadian art installation, a signature theme of all Simons stores.The perfect blogger coffee table! Simons Home section is out of this world!

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Chantsy [modeXLusive.com]

Chantal Sarkisian is a seasoned Marketing and Communications creative with expertise in Business, Digital Strategy, and Social Media. Chantal is passionate about her roles as a curvy style blogger and Instagram lifestyle influencer. She loves sharing personal stories and is proud to be an Ottawa locavore, a beauty expert, a foodie, and an advocate for the empowerment and representation of plus-size women in the fashion industry.